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‘Development and conservation should go hand in hand in the Nilgiris’
The Hindu 11 July 2008
Speakers at seminar highlight need to protect unique but delicate ecology of the region |
Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy 
Advocating conservation: District Forest Officer D.Arun delivering the valedictory address at a seminar on eco-tourism in Udhagamandalam on Thursday. —
Udhagamandalam: Development and conservation should go hand in hand in the Nilgiris, said the District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris (South) D.Arun, here on Thursday.
He was delivering the valedictory address at a two-day seminar organized by the Emerald Heights College for Women under the Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) at Fingerpost.
Seminar
The theme of the seminar, which explored a variety of issues, was ‘Eco Tourism – Scope and Significance – Nilgiris Perspective’.
Underscoring the importance of the Nilgiris, he said that it formed a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), which represented a valuable collection of natural forest resources.
Adverting to its unique but fragile ecology of the region in the hills, he said that it should be protected through efforts taken by people.
Grasslands
He observed that the grasslands of the Nilgiris played a key role in ensuring copious flow in the rivers which originated in the region, fed by the water that became available through rainfall.
The Cairn hill forest near Udhagamandalam was an ideal eco tourism spot which could attract people who were interested in making a visit to a place of natural beauty.
The government in general and the forest department in particular were encouraging the formation of eco clubs in schools, in order to encourage the need for conservation.
A student, Narmadha, regretted that various forms of pollution have of late become a major source of concern in various places including this hill station.
Among those who also participated were Nature Educator P.Kandasamy; the Programme Executive, All India Radio, Madhavi Raveendran; Secretary, Emerald Heights College for Women S.Motilal Kataria; Senior Advocate N.Krishnamoorthy; Programme Coordinator G.Selvanayagi and a student, Katche Tsumo.
Principal in-charge Mary Elizabeth Josphine welcomed the gathering.
The Head of History and Tourism Department M.Guna proposed a vote of thanks.